Surfer Callum Robson may be ageing like fine wine but he is definitely a clean skin.
The nose of his surfboard remains a barren zone, displaying none of the sponsorship stickers that make life easy for so many of his opponents.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old has had a dream start to his rookie season on the World Surf League's Championship Tour, where he is currently rated eighth, five places ahead of 11-times world champion Kelly Slater.
He has also just scored the biggest win of his career in the Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks.
Robson defeated Gold Coast surfer Sheldon Simkus in the final of the Challenger Series event, winning $20,000 for his efforts.
The victory follows a second-place finish in the World Championship Tour event at Bells Beach over Easter.
"It's such a good platform as the first Challenger Series for the year, and just a step below the World Tour, but still obviously filled with amazing surfers," he said.
Despite his success, Robson's major sponsor remains his hometown.
Residents of Evans Head, on the NSW far North Coast, donated money to help cover Robson's competition and travel expenses.
Robson praised his supporters in his victory speech.
"The community support that I have had is a massive part of who I am and my story," he said from the victory podium.
Robson said he was not bothered by his lack of big-name corporate sponsorship.
"My job is to go out there and win heats and do my best," he said.
"I think the right partnership is going to come along at the right time.
"I don't put any pressure on myself to get a sticker at any point in time but in the future I think it's going to come."
In the meantime, Robson has launched a fundraising raffle to donate to northern NSW flood recovery efforts.
Prizes include surfing gear, coaching clinics, and a surfboard signed by athletes on this year's Championship Tour.
